Area: Chamba Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Duration: 11 Days (3 days travelling and 8 days trekking)
Best Season: May to early September
Grade :Moderate
Altitude: Altitude: 3970 m/13025 ft
Total Trekking: 54 K.M
About Manimahesh Kailash Trek
Amidst the mystic of the Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh, the Manimahesh Lake, set at an altitude of 3,950 meters on the base of Manimahesh Kailash Peak, which towers at a height of 5,653 meters, is considered as one of the sacred lakes in the Indian Himalayan region. The lake is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that the mighty peak is the abode of the Hindu deity. The spiritual journey undertaken by thousands of pilgrims from different corners of the country commences on the auspicious day of Janmashtami and ends on Radha Asthami.
When talking about the mountain walkers, nature lovers and trekkers from all over the world, the journey to the Manimahesh Kailash is one of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh and even boasts the feet of amateurs. The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, which is also known as Chamba Kailash, is one of the virgin peaks in the Indian Himalayan region that is located approximately 26 kilometers from Bharmour in the Budhil valley. The pristine water of the Manimahesh Lake that is sourced out from the serpentine glacier of the Chamba Kailash Peak forms a tributary of River Bidhil.
The Manimahesh Kailash Trek upraises from Hadsar, which is a drive away distance from Dharamshala, and heads to Dancho that is perched at an altitude of 2,280 meters. From Dancho there is a gradual climb passing through the valley of flowers and wild medicinal herbs till the journey expunges to the last reach that cuts across the glacier of the lake. The Manimahesh Lake en circles a barren topography with small hilly mounds, boulders and dry bushes. The trek continues downhill to Dancho and then leads off at Dharamshala.
For the trekkers the journey to Manimahesh Kailash commences from the month of Mid May and continues till October. It is approximately a 9 days trek starting from Delhi and is one of the easiest treks in the Himachal Himalayan region.
Manimahesh Kailash Yatra Trekking Tour Highlights
- Seek blessings of Lord Shiva at Manimahesh Lake.
- Camp under the stars, on the lakeside of Manimahesh, amidst the beautiful mountains.
- A rare event of the first sun’s rays falling on the Mani Mahesh peak is seen in the reflection in the lake like saffron Tilak.
- View the majestic mountains and valleys while trekking.
Best Time to Visit Manimahesh Kailash Trek
Mid- June to Mid- October
Till July, there are high chances that trekkers will spot snowfall at high passes. But by the end of August, the amount of snow considerably reduces. As the months proceed, one might experience rainfall towards Kullu-Manali valley but at the high passes, Spiti, the weather remains sunny. Moving further, in September, the day temperature may range between 12°C and 20°C. However, the night is relatively chilly as temperature may dip to minus (-2 to 6 °C), also, there is the slightest possibility of snow fall. With the onset of October, the day temperature hovers around 12-18 °C and evenings and nights are comparatively colder (- 6 to 4 °C).
Where is the Manimahesh Kailash Trek
Commonly known as Dal Lake, Manimahesh is a high altitude lake of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is located at an elevation of 4,080 metres (13,390 ft), quite close to Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalaya. According to the incident published in the mythological books, the lake was created by Lord Shiva after he married Goddess Parvati. It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed penance here for seven hundred years, and the water started flowing from his tangled hair which later took the form of a lake. After Mansarovar Lake in Tiber, the Mani Mahesh lake is the most sacred lake. During September and October, the lake attracts many pilgrims as this is the time when ‘Manimahesh Yatra’ commences.
How to Reach Manimahesh Kailash Trek?
From Train:Nearest Railway Station is Pathankot (Punjab).
From Airport:Nearest airport is at Gaggal in Kangra (170 kms from Chamba).
By Road:Manimahesh is From Chamba (78 kms away) by road. Buses, taxis and coaches regularly plying from Chandigarh and Delhi. Chamba is 602 km from Delhi and 392 km from Chandigarh.